The Scandalous Past of the Referee Who Will Officiate the World Cup Final Between Spain and Argentina

FIFA has selected Slavko Vincic to referee the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The appointment has brought renewed attention to his controversial 2020 arrest.

The Controversial Past of the Referee Chosen for the World Cup Final

The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina now has the man responsible for keeping order on the field. FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the biggest match of the tournament, a decision that puts the experienced official in front of the greatest challenge of his career while also bringing renewed attention to a controversial episode from his past.

Vincic, an international referee since 2010, has experience officiating on some of the biggest stages in European soccer. However, his name also became associated with a police operation that took place in May 2020 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, when he was temporarily detained during a raid connected to an investigation into an alleged criminal organization.

According to reports from the time, the referee was at an establishment in the city of Bijeljina where dozens of people were present. During the operation, authorities reportedly found €10,000 in cash, weapons and a significant quantity of illegal substances.

The Slovenian's presence at the location immediately sparked major controversy. However, there is one crucial detail: Vincic was released just hours after giving a statement and was not charged with any crime.

The 2020 Police Raid That Put His Name Under the Spotlight

The incident occurred on May 29, 2020, at a time when much of Europe was still dealing with restrictions related to the pandemic. According to reports published about the operation, 26 men and nine women were at the location when authorities intervened.

The investigation was reportedly connected to an alleged network linked to the distribution of illegal substances, sexual exploitation and illicit arms dealing. Vincic's name appearing in the middle of such a serious case generated headlines across Europe and threatened to significantly affect his career as an international referee.

According to OKDiario, Vincic reportedly left the location on a boat alongside several other people before being intercepted by authorities. The referee was temporarily detained and later had to explain the circumstances that had brought him to the location.

Vincic maintained that he had simply accepted an invitation to a business lunch, that he was unaware of any alleged illegal activities involving the people under investigation and that he had no connection to the organization being investigated by authorities.

After giving his statement and authorities reviewed his version of events, the referee was released without facing any charges. Despite that outcome, the incident inevitably remained associated with his name and has now returned to the spotlight because of the magnitude of the match he has been selected to officiate.

UEFA Backed Vincic as His Career Reached the Elite

The incident could have represented a turning point in Slavko Vincic's career, but his path ultimately went in a completely different direction. Both UEFA and the Football Association of Slovenia continued to support him after no direct involvement with the activities under investigation was established.

The Slovenian officiated the Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers and was later selected to referee the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Now, he will add the biggest stage of all to his résumé: a World Cup final.

Spain and Argentina Battle for the Title With Vincic in Charge

Fate will put Slavko Vincic at the center of attention when Spain and Argentina battle for the world title. For the Slovenian, it will be the first World Cup final of his career and likely the most important match he has ever officiated.

There are also some notable precedents involving both national teams. Vincic has refereed Argentina only once at a World Cup: the historic 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2022, which remains La Albiceleste's most recent loss at a World Cup.

His history with Spain is considerably more extensive. The Slovenian has officiated La Roja in matches including a 2-2 draw against Colombia in 2017, a 0-0 draw with Sweden at Euro 2020 and a 2-1 victory over Italy in the 2023 Nations League. He was also in charge of Spanish victories over Italy and France during the European Championship. Spain has never lost a match officiated by Vincic.